A new and exciting screen adaptation of NT author Leonie Norrington's book series, Barrumbi Kids, is coming to Australian television.
Barrumbi Kids tells the story of best friends Tomias and Dahlia — two best friends growing up in a remote Northern Territory community. Through fishing, hunting and schooling, the children learn about themselves, each other and living in both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultures.
Barrumbi Kids is produced by Danielle MacLean (Mystery Road, Grace Beside Me, Little J & Big Cuz, Redfern Now) of Tamarind Tree Pictures and Monica O’Brien (Drop Dead Weird, For REAL, The Gamers 2037) of Ambience Entertainment and Julia Morris (Finding Maawirrangga, Kundirri The Life).
The series be filmed in Beswick community (Wugularr), Northern Territory, and 10 x 30-minute episodes are expected to air on NITV in 2022.
Esther Bullumbarra, from Beswick (Wugularr) and Traditional Owner for Jawoyn Country is excited for the production.
Barrumbi Kids is a screen adaptation to Leonie Norrington's 2003 book series of the same name. Source: GoodReads
"I'm really excited to see our kids making this series, changing it from a book into a television series. The books were published a long time ago now and we will be the first community to make a television series here. People, especially the kids, will be able to see our culture,” she said.
Kyas Hepworth, NITV’s Head of Commissioning and Programming, said the channel is committed to producing and quality content, relevant to young Indigenous audiences.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids should see themselves reflected on screen," she said.
"Through Barrumbi Kids, we’re able to do just that, all while sharing the beauty of Wugularr with Australia.”
Sally Caplan, Screen Australia’s Head of Content said they're proud to support the production.
"It’s special for a television series to not only reflect back to children and their families living in remote communities their own stories, but also share their unique cultural experiences on screens around the country and the world. I am looking forward to seeing Barrumbi Kids bring the beautiful remote Northern Territory to our screens,” she said.
Danielle MacLean, Monica O’Brien and Julia Morris, co-producers of Barrumbi Kids released a statement saying,
The Barrumbi Kids producers: Grant Brown, Deb Brown and Ismail Khan. Source: Supplied
"Barrumbi Kids is one of those projects that you fight to get made because it’s so good, so important and such an incredible experience for all involved.
After years of collaborative development with the Beswick Community. We’re so thrilled to have the support of NITV, Screen Australia, ACTF and Screen Territory to create this incredible series for Australian children to be inspired by.”
Barrumbi Kids is a Tamarind Tree Pictures and Ambience Entertainment production for NITV. Major production investment from Screen Australia in association with Screen Territory. Financed with support from the Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) who will manage international sales.
Barrumbi Kids premieres on NITV in 2022
